Last weekend, I had one of those lazy Sundays where the rain pattered against the window, and all I craved was something warm and comforting straight from the oven. That’s when I pulled out my trusty Dutch oven for this Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe. The moment that garlicky, cheesy aroma hit the air, my whole house smelled like a cozy Italian bakery. I’ve tweaked this over time from basic artisan bread recipes, adding extra parmesan for that nutty kick and fresh garlic for punch. It’s become my go-to for weeknight dinners or when friends drop by unexpected.
What I love most? No kneading required. Just mix, wait, and bake. The result is a crusty exterior that cracks satisfyingly under your fingers, giving way to a soft, pull-apart inside loaded with melty cheese and roasted garlic notes. Pair it with pasta, soup, or just tear into it with butter. This easy homemade bread recipes easy version has saved many a meal around here.
Why Choose This Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe
Unlike fussy bread machine recipes, this no-knead method lets wild yeast do the work overnight. The Dutch oven traps steam for that bakery-perfect crust, while parmesan and garlic infuse every bite with savory goodness. It’s forgiving too – even if your dough looks shaggy, it transforms beautifully.
I remember burning my first loaf years ago, rushing the rise. Lesson learned: patience pays off in fluffy texture and bold flavors. Perfect for anyone dipping into Dutch oven bread or artisan bread recipes.
Ingredients for Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (about 390g)
- 2 teaspoons salt (10g)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (5g)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (7g)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (360ml, around 110F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (100g), divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
These simple pantry staples come together without fuss. Fresh parmesan melts in beautifully, but pre-grated works if you’re short on time. Garlic adds that irresistible aroma – don’t skip mincing it fresh for max flavor.
Step-by-Step: Making Easy Bread Recipes
Start by whisking flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a big bowl. Pour in warm water and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Fold in half the parmesan, all the garlic, and rosemary. Cover and let it bubble away for 12-18 hours – that’s the magic for artisan texture.
Next day, preheat your oven to 450F with the Dutch oven inside. Turn dough onto floured parchment, shape gently into a ball, and let rest 30 minutes. Score the top, pop it in the hot pot, lid on for 30 minutes, then lid off for 15 more till golden. Cool before slicing to set the crumb.

Pro Tips for Dutch Oven Recipes Success
- Use a Dutch oven at least 4 quarts for even heat.
- Keep dough sticky – extra flour toughens it.
- Fresh garlic over powder for bolder taste.
- Score deeply to prevent bursting.
- Cool fully; cutting too soon steams the inside.
One trick I swear by: brush the crust with olive oil post-bake for shine. This elevates your homemade bread recipes easy game instantly.
Variations on Garlic Bread Recipe
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap rosemary for thyme in artisan bread recipes.
- Mix in olives for Mediterranean Dutch oven bread.
- Go vegan with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Shape into rolls for bread machine recipes alternative.
I’ve tried cheddar for a sharper twist – crowd-pleaser every time. Endless ways to tweak this Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Dough not rising? Water too hot killed yeast – use 110F max.
- Flat loaf? Oven not hot enough; preheat fully.
- Gummy inside? Skip cooling step next time.
- Too dense? Measure flour by weight, not cups.
Ingredient Substitutions
- No parmesan? Asiago or pecorino shine.
- Bread flour for chewier crumb.
- Instant yeast skips proofing.
- Gluten-free blend with xanthan gum.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store at room temp in a bag up to 2 days; freeze slices for a month. Reheat at 350F with a water spritz for crispness. Serve with olive oil dip, alongside pasta, or as French toast base. Revives beautifully!
FAQs for Bread Making Recipes
Can I bake without Dutch oven? Yes, use a baking sheet with steam pan, but crust softens.
How long does dough rise? 12-18 hours for best flavor in this no-knead style.
Fresh or roasted garlic? Fresh for punch; roast for mellow sweetness.
Freezes well? Absolutely – thaw and toast slices as needed.
Why numbered ingredients? Makes scaling easy for batches.
Vegetarian friendly? Yes, all dairy-based but sub plant cheese.

Parmesan Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
- Add warm water and olive oil; stir into sticky dough.
- Fold in half parmesan, garlic, and rosemary. Cover and rise 12-18 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450F with Dutch oven inside. Shape dough on floured parchment; rest 30 min.
- Score top, bake covered 30 min, uncovered 15 min till golden.
- Cool on rack before slicing.
Notes
- Pro tip: Brush with oil post-bake.
- Store airtight 2 days or freeze.
